Jr. EYBL Championship: Houston Hoops 2029 Top Performers

[program_tooltip program_id='2415237' first='Houston' last='Hoops 2029'] made a major statement on one of the biggest stages in grassroots basketball—showing poise, toughness, and high-level execution at the Jr. EYBL Peach Jam Championship. Competing against elite programs from across the country, this group didn't just show up, they showed out. With a balanced mix of skilled guards, athletic wings, and active bigs, Houston Hoops impressed with their unselfish play, defensive grit, and next-level composure in pressure moments. Whether it was shot creation, defensive versatility, or timely playmaking, multiple prospects elevated their stock and proved they're among the top rising talents in the country. Here's a breakdown of the standout performers from [program_tooltip program_id='2415237' first='Houston' last='Hoops 2029'] at the Nike Jr. EYBL Championship.    [player_tooltip player_id='2767928' first='Chris' last='Martinez'] anticipated the game well from the jump, reading backline defenders to thread the needle with bounce passes and entry throws. As they were down early, Martinez felt the game out and set a tone with his playmaking prowess that made others around him better. As a play initiator, everything [player_tooltip player_id='2767928' first='Chris' last='Martinez'] did was at an angle that forced defenders out of position and freed up his teammates, often drawing doubles which he exploited with poise, and without turning over the ball. No matter the situation or pressure placed apon him by the defense, Martinez kept a live dribble and used the entire court to his advantage, even if it meant circling through the lane. One of his most impressive plays came in the first-half in transition, where he beat his defender with a right-hand hesitation, snaked across their body, and held them hostage before rising into a clean well balanced three-point pull-up that hit the bottom of the net. A true competitor, as the time ticked in the second half Martinez's intensity flipped the game and propelled him to make huge plays that lifted Houston Hoops to victory, starting by ripping away a hard fought offensive rebound and immediately going up for the finish, following that possession up with a full speed baseline cut that opened him for a catch and shoot three-pointer which cut the lead to two. From that moment, the momentum fully shifted, Houston Hoops took the lead the very next possession and rallied to a 66-62 comeback win sparked by Martinez's ability to control tempo, make clutch plays, and lead by example.     Great athlete with the easy bounce that makes him a threat on the drive and as a second chance shot creator. This two-guard attacked the hoop with force and clear intention, bringing a relentless mindset every time he put the ball on the deck. Every move was made to pressure the paint, collapse rotations, and finish through or over traffic as he utilized his upper body power to initiate contact. Reed blended burst with physicality that set him apart. He embraced contact, using his frame to create space and maintain his line, often shielding off defenders mid-drive with his off-arm or hip. He capped off his performance with a team-high 14 points, earning Championship MVP honors for his consistent impact throughout the title run.     An instinctual scorer with a well-rounded offensive game, Kashaav impressed with his shot selection, timing, and understanding of floor balance. He excelled in off-ball reads, cutting behind overplays and filling scoring windows with precision. His long frame allowed him to extend layups around defenders, while his strong first step made him dangerous in straight-line attacks.     Mason Wallace proved to be a versatile defender and a true asset on the back line, showcasing exceptional help-side awareness and anticipation that consistently altered offensive flow. With sharp court mapping instincts, Wallace positioned himself perfectly one pass away or from the weak side, ready to rotate early and disrupt actions before they fully develop. His helpside prowess was rooted in elite timing, stepping over to contest drives, wall off the lane, or provide backline support without overcommitting. What set him apart was his ability to hedge hard on ball screens, stunting ball-handlers just long enough to halt momentum before snapping back to his man with controlled footwork and urgency. Whether he's executing a soft hedge or a quick show-and-recover, he read the second pass and rarely got caught out of position.     Jackson was arguably the most impactful two-way presence on the floor, dictating tone and tempo with his physicality while his spacing made him a perimeter threat. Off the dribble, Jakson utilized brute strength, creating his own shot by overpowering mismatches at the rim. This lefty also displayed a trustworthy jumper in transition off the catch, particularly on the left side of the floor where he was adept to stepping into with rhythm and shifting the momentum with the make. His efforts and effectiveness didn't stop there, he consistently hustled back on defense resulting in chasedown blocks that turned into open court opportunities. He showcased ability to anchor the paint defensively with a high motor throughout the game.     Stcokwood was a true floor spacer who consistently found soft spots beyond the arc, Stockwood specialized in stretching defenses with timely relocation and catch-and-shoot readiness. His ability to find space without the ball kept the offense flowing, giving driving teammates consistent kick-out options.     A left-handed knockdown shooter with ice in his veins, Dickson came up clutch hitting multiple threes in key moments, helping his team erase a 20-point deficit. His quick trigger and fearless mentality allowed him to let it fly in big moments, even with defense flying at him. Off second-chance kick-outs his shotmaking was energy lifting and momentum shifting.     Williams Beckett showed promising positional versatility, putting the ball on the deck with comfort from the perimeter and attacking the baseline with fluidity. On one standout play, Beckett operated out of triple-threat, drove baseline, absorbed contact with a controlled pump fake and shoulder bump to finish strong at the rim highlighting his potential as a perimeter-oriented forward.

Houston Hoops 2029 made a major statement on one of the biggest stages in grassroots basketball—showing poise, toughness, and high-level execution at the Jr. EYBL Peach Jam Championship. Competing against elite programs from across the country, this group didn't just show up, they showed out. With a balanced mix of skilled guards, athletic wings, and active bigs, Houston Hoops impressed with their unselfish play, defensive grit, and next-level composure in pressure moments. Whether it was shot creation, defensive versatility, or timely playmaking, multiple prospects elevated their stock and proved they're among the top rising talents in the country. Here's a breakdown of the standout performers from Houston Hoops 2029 at the Nike Jr. EYBL Championship.